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Loni Anderson, best known as the sharp, capable Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, died on August 3, 2025, at age 79. Her publicist said she died at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness; no specific cause of death was established in the reporting. Actors Morgan Fairchild and Barbara Eden remembered Anderson as a gracious colleague, a longtime friend and a gifted performer.
What happened to Loni Anderson?
Anderson died days before her 80th birthday. Her family announced the death in a statement provided by her publicist: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.” The Associated Press reported that she died at a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness.
The report did not identify a specific cause of death. The Associated Press obituary reported the family statement and details of her death.
What Morgan Fairchild said about Anderson
Fairchild, who worked with Anderson on Bob Hope specials and a Christmas movie, shared her grief in a tribute reported by the Associated Press: “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
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Fairchild also recalled that they “did Bob Hope specials & a Christmas movie 2 years ago.” Anderson’s most recent project, according to the AP, was the 2023 Lifetime film Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas, which also featured Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills and Nicollette Sheridan.
Barbara Eden remembered a longtime friendship
Eden, the star of I Dream of Jeannie, described a friendship with Anderson that had lasted many years. “Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept,” Eden said in comments quoted by the Associated Press in a report carried by the Los Angeles Times.
Eden also praised Anderson’s talent and character: “What can I say about Loni that everyone doesn’t already know? She was a real talent, with razor smart wit and a glowing sense of humor… but, even more than that, she had an impeccable work ethic.” The Los Angeles Times report includes Eden’s tribute and career context.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Jennifer Marlowe defined Anderson’s career
Anderson’s signature role was Jennifer Marlowe, the receptionist on WKRP in Cincinnati, a sitcom about a struggling Ohio radio station. The series aired from 1978 to 1982. Marlowe was more than a comic foil: she was smart, efficient and capable, and her competence helped keep the station running. The role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, according to the AP report carried by the Los Angeles Times.
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For readers interested in Anderson’s own account of her life, My Life in High Heels is her autobiography, identified as such by The Guardian’s obituary.
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